NSW coach Trent Johnston has welcomed another two pink-ball Shield matches this summer and says the Blues will benefit from more four-day fixtures at the SCG.
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Cricket Australia announced another two rounds of day-night Sheffield Shield action, scheduled for round one and five in preparation for pink-ball Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide against South Africa and Pakistan.
While the Blues do not host a day-night fixture at the SCG, they will travel to the Gabba and Adelaide Oval in what will be an excellent preparation for their long list of Australian representatives who are expected to be available for both games.
However, NSW and other state squads may not be able to train with a pink ball in the lead-up to round one given the Matador Cup final is scheduled two days before the first pink ball game on October 25.
Even if that is the case, Johnston has backed the Blues to continue their solid performances in day-night fixtures after their 215-run thumping of South Australia in the opening Shield fixture last year to go with a draw against Western Australia.
"We just have to rely on the experience of the guys we take to Brisbane," Johnston said. "If we have the Australian players, which it looks like we will, they're an experienced bunch and they can adapt fairly quickly."
Blues players are stoked to have four out of five home games – the other is going to Wollongong in late February – at the SCG. It is the first time in six summers NSW will have so many first-class fixtures at the ground after last year hosting just one game, as well as a match against Victoria that was abandoned.
All up, NSW played at nine different first-class grounds last year and players were fed up at not being able to utilise their home knowledge of a SCG pitch. "You only have to look at the boys' stats and the way they perform at the SCG, they're brilliant," Johnston said. "There was a lot of obstacles thrown up in our path last year and it's no excuse for not making the final but to have four games at the SCG and to play at our traditional home is amazing. I know the boys are buzzing and looking forward to those fixtures."
Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones said: "The SCG is one of cricket's most revered venues because of its great history and tradition. Our cricketers love playing there and we are delighted to give them so many opportunities this season."
